Despite the low and clear conditions on the Smith and Chetco, both rivers have been fishing surprisingly well. The lack of rain hasn't deterred the steelhead from entering the rivers and guide boats are reporting steady action. The Smith will probably be the better fishing option until we get some more rain. Angling pressure continues to drop on both rivers and until the next rain comes, I doubt that will change.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for most of the other North Coast rivers. Other than the main stem of the Eel - which is still open but low and clear - rivers closed due to low flows include the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Mattole and Redwood Creek. If you're looking for some steelhead action this weekend and want a little water to yourself, don't forget about the lower Klamath and lower Trinity. Both rivers have dropped back into shape and should have decent numbers of winter steelhead moving through.

Rain predicted for next week

A weak front is moving across the coast this Sunday, which should lead to a little drizzle, but not much else. But here's the real good news - wet weather is on the way! According to Reginald Kennedy of Eureka's National Weather Service, we can expect a pattern change beginning next Wednesday night or Thursday morning that is forecasted to dump three to five inches over a five-day period. On top of that, the rest of January looks like it will be wet according to Kennedy.

Send in your fish photos

Land a big steelhead or salmon lately? Or maybe your friend or relative has reeled in their first fish. Email your fishing photo to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com and I'll run them with the "Fishing the North Coast" weekly column and also post them on the digital version on times-standard.com. Just include the name of the person in the photo, where and when it was taken and any other details you'd like to share.

The Rivers:

Chetco River

Eureka based guides Alan Borges of Alan's Guide Service and Brice Dusi of Brice Dusi Guide Service have been fishing the Chetco steady for the last few weeks and report the fishing has slowed the last couple days due to very low and clear conditions. According to Borges and Dusi, there are still quite a few fish around, but they seem to be coming in spurts, one day you'll have lots of bites and the next day you may get two or three. Overall, boats have been averaging three to six hookups per trip side-drifting bait. "Until we get some rain, the best that we can hope for is to scratch a couple fish per trip, depending on how much fishing pressure there is," added Dusi.

The Smith, Redwood Creek, Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, and Mattole Rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Call the DFG's low flow closure hotline at (707) 822-3164 to determine the condition of the rivers. Low flow restrictions remain in effect through January 31.

Smith River

There's quite a few steelhead in the Smith right now and guides are averaging three to six fish per trip. This past Monday was an incredible day on the Smith as the few guides who were around reported double-digit hookups with as many as eight fish landed. According to Crescent City guide Mike Coopman of Mike Coopman's Guide Service, the conditions are low and clear, but that doesn't mean you can't catch them. "With the low water, fish are going to holding in different spots and you need to fish a little more unconventional. Anywhere there's a crinkle in the water, even if it's only six inches deep, could be holding fish. Don't be afraid to toss your bait in really shallow water. You'll also want to downsize your baits and hooks, and light, fluorocarbon leaders are a must," Coopman added.

Eel River (main stem)

Despite the low water, there's plenty of fish around according to Paul Grundman of Rio Dell's Grundmans Sporting Goods, "I've heard of a few fish being caught between Stafford and the mouth of the Van Duzen this past week. Anywhere there's current and some depth, those are the spots you'll want to target. However, as the water drops, those places become fewer and fewer. But overall, there's plenty of steelhead in the river, and if you find a spot where they're holding, you'll catch a few," said Grundman. As of Wednesday, the Eel at the Scotia gauge is flowing at roughly 650 cfs. If the river level predictions hold, it should remain open until the next rain hits, which is forecasted for the middle of next week.

Trinity

Upper

Steve Huber of Steve Huber's Guide Service reports a big push of steelhead arrived at the hatchery on Monday and there are still quite a few making their way up. "There's still quite a few fish around and they're moving everyday, but in these water conditions, the fish are definitely moving slower. "Guides fishing the Junction City to Douglas City stretch are still averaging three to six fish per trip, with most fish being caught on tiny pieces of roe. The angling pressure has been light, and I'd expect it so stay that way until we get some rain and the conditions improve," Huber said.

Rivers currently closed to fishing

The following rivers are currently closed to fishing due to low flows:

The Mad, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Redwood Creek and the Mattole

"Fishing the North Coast" is on Facebook, so check it out for up-to-date fishing reports and information from all over the North Coast. Questions, comments and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.